A spokesman said she had arrived home “jetlagged and shattered” just a day earlier, deciding to fulfil her stage commitments instead of letting fans down by letting an understudy take her starring role.

But critics accused Solomon of “disrespect”, failing to memorise lines in time for paying families to see her play Fairy Bowbells at the Milton Keynes theatre.

Christopher Marsh, an actor, said the decision to allow it was an “embarrassment to the industry”, “disrespectful to her fellow cast putting the time and effort in, and also to paying audiences, expecting professionalism”.

One critic, who writes for The Stage under the name West End Producer, said: “Some actors train for 3 years. And some just be Stacey Solomon. This sums up everything that's wrong with the biz.”

Other critics called for the audience to be given refunds.

Solomon performed as Fairy Bowbells, using a helping hand for her first showCredit:
Max Tollworthy/SilverHub

A spokesman for the theatre said no-one had formally complained about the performance, the first in the run, assuring audiences the clipboard had been abandoned already now that Solomon has had time to settle in with the cast.

Kevin Wood, producer of Dick Whittington for First Family Entertainment, said “Stacey’s performance as Fairy Bowbells received a fantastic response from our audiences yesterday.

“Stacey chose to take to the stage having just returned from the jungle as she didn’t want to disappoint her fans by not appearing in the show, she took her script on stage as a prompt as a mark of respect for her fellow performers to ensure the show ran smoothly.

Solomon won I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here in 2010

“Following hugely positive feedback from our shows yesterday we are excited for the run which we know will be the perfect Christmas treat for all the family.

“We think Stacey should be applauded for her professionalism.”

Solomon’s agent added: “She arrived at the theatre this morning jet lagged and shattered, and got straight on with it.

“After 2 hours prep with the director and cast she went on and performed in front of a packed theatre. I could not be prouder of this woman right now. She's an absolute fighter.”

Dick Whittington runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until January 14, and stars Samantha Womack as Queen Rat and Kev Orkian as Idle Jack.